This year’s NLCS match up has been broken down in numerous ways. Both the Dodgers and Cardinals have momentum coming off their respective Division Series but something has to give in this 1985 NLCS rematch. Are you ready for the streamlined version? Cardinals win in six (again). So “go crazy folks! Go crazy!”
With the Cardinals hosting the first two games in St. Louis, usually a split by Los Angeles would suffice for the Dodgers. After all, if you split the first two games on the road you steal home field advantage from the Cardinals. But if you’re the Dodgers, you MUST take both games in St. Louis… that’s right, MUST.
Zack Greinke will get the nod in the series opener, with perhaps the greatest pitcher in the game (Clayton Kershaw) getting the ball in game 2. The Cardinals have faced Greinke a number of times as he pitched in the NL Central before. Plus with Kansas City he faced the Cardinals during interleague play and doesn’t intimidate the Cardinals in the least bit. In fact St. Louis welcomes the challenge. All the Cardinals have done against Greinke is hit .301 collectively. Looking even further into the statistics, the Cardinals hitters that will be playing in Game 1 are hitting .309 against Greinke.
The Dodgers lineup is tough, although the Cardinals lineup is also deep with plenty of experience. Greinke has not fared well against St. Louis and he will be pitching on the road – so Game 1 goes to the Cardinals. That’s right, Game 1 to St. Louis – so pack your bags, the series is over.
With Kershaw pitching Game 2, the ‘best case scenario’ is a split for Los Angeles. So the Dodgers return home and face Wainwright in Game 3. Like I said before though, St. Louis winning Game 1 really does mean “series over”.
With Greinke having lackluster numbers vs. the Cardinals, Kershaw only pitching in two games this series (Game 2 and either Game 5 OR Game 6), home field advantage and experience all going for the red birds – I cannot see a scenario where Los Angeles prevails. Should I break down the series game by game? Should I verbally breakdown the offensive, defensive, starting pitching and bullpen for both squads? Okay, here it goes…
Heck, who am I kidding? You want the streamlined version after all. Here you go and you’re welcome…
My picks:
Game 1 winner: Cardinals (*St. Louis)
Game 2 winner: Dodgers (*St. Louis)
Game 3 winner: Cardinals (*Los Angeles)
Game 4 winner: Cardinals (*Los Angeles)
Game 5 winner: Dodgers (*Los Angeles)
Game 6 winner: Cardinals (*St. Louis)
(*Where game will be played)
h/t: CBS Sports (image)